This Sunday morning we are wrapping up our sermon series that we have called “Inbox.” We are responding to different questions that people have sent in. This weekend’s question simply could not be more relevant, more timely or more needed. One person asked: “What does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage?”
It’s not like this is some obscure question that no one has ever considered before. However, it is one that presses on the hearts of many and so I want to open God’s word with you so we can look together at God’s perspective on this issue. First, we will talk about the ideal. One man … one woman … for life.
I think most of us have a pretty good handle on the ideal. God designed marriage to be one man … one woman … for life. In Genesis 2:24 we read:
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” -- Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
Do you see the ideal in that verse? One man, one woman – united … becoming one. Now there are certainly degrees of “oneness” – right? At the altar you leave father and mother and become one. But talk with someone who has been married 25 years or 50 years. There is a whole other level of “oneness” – right? There is a different kind of “unitedness” that takes time to arrive at with your spouse. I am talking about that level where you know what your spouse is thinking before they say it. I am thinking about when you pick up on things so subtle – the twitch … the narrowing of the eyes … the flaring of the nostril … the set of their mouth – that you can carry on an entire conversation without saying a word.
Those are elements that come with the ideal in marriage when one man and one woman are committed to each other for life.
However, I would be naïve to think that every person sitting in our congregation or who lives in our community experiences the ideal in marriage. For many people, the ideal simply is not what is real in their experience.
Let’s face it. Life is complicated. Relationships are complicated. Marriage is complicated. The complications do not take God by surprise. It’s not like God never anticipated that anyone would ever get divorced. It’s not like he’s shocked, dumbfounded, and speechless. Actually, God has a lot to say about divorce and remarriage. And I believe what God has to say is incredibly gracious. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses this very question of marriage … divorce … and remarriage.
Join us this Sunday as we look at this passage together and as we explore this important question on divorce and remarriage. I pray that God will bring clarity, hope, healing, conviction, direction, renewal, perspective, understanding, and all that needs to be unveiled so that we can be the people God desires for each of us to be individually and collectively.
God Bless,
Gary
Uganda Clean Water Display
Make sure you stop by the ENGAGE Center to view the Uganda Clean Water Display. The Heights, along with World Vision, has begun a three year project to bring clean, safe water to our partner village, Kyalulangira, Uganda. At the water display you will learn more about our partnership and clean water project.
Contact David Rogers or Bill Ferrell for more information on how you can give to the Uganda Clean Water Project.
Did You Know...
This Sunday we will celebrate 10 years of service at The Heights for Mrs. Pennie Olivo. Pennie does an incredible job giving leadership to our preschoolers in JOYLAND. We will be recognizing Pennie and her amazing husband, Brock, for the decade God has used them here as a part of The Heights family. Be sure and pat them on the back and thank God for giving us such an incredible lady like Pennie to love on and lead our preschool ministries here at The Heights.
Summer Sports Scenes
Join us for the second of our fantastically fun sports camps for children who have completed Kindergarten – 6th grade. Scene 2 is August 4 & 6, and it is a 2-day experience which includes a variety of sports, athletic drills, and active games. K-1st grade camp is 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 2nd-6th grade camp is 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Cost is $25 per child, and you may register at www.theheights.org. For more information contact
Annette Ard at aard@theheights.org or 972.231.6047 x267.
KDOG Mini Camp
Dear Church Family, please join us in praying
for our 102 Mini Camp attendees who leave on Friday, July 9. We
have 68 children (grades 1-2) going and 20 adults serving. Our
KDOG Company drama team will lead Bible study each day,
presenting the lessons through drama and games. This camp is a
two-night experience and we ask that you pray for both safety and a
great time.
Big Splash Night
Bring the whole family for a night of playing in the water with over 8 water inflatables on site as well as water limbo and music. Free event for the whole family...bring your neighbors Sunday, July 18th, 6:30-8:30pm!
Summer Music Spectacular: Under God’s Sea in 3D—July 19-22
This music camp experience is for children who have completed Kindergarten—6th grade. Deadline for sign up is July 12. Price includes camp shirt, activities, games, snacks, crafts, music, field trips (including the Dallas Aquarium & Bounce U), transportation & pizza lunch/party on Thursday’s camp. We will dive and venture out in a submarine to learn more about God through His underwater world. We will learn to navigate the sometimes murky waters of life by seeking God! Those who participate in SMS, will also have the opportunity to be a part of our afternoon camps in Drama (completed grades 2-6), Creative Movement/Dance (completed K-6) or Art (completed K-6). For more information and online registration, go to www.theheights.org, Or call 972-231-6047, ext 213.
Old Fashioned Sunday Night Service—July 25th at 6:30pm
Please plan to attend an old fashioned Sunday night service in the Chapel here at The Heights on July 25th at 6:30pm. Be sure to mark your calendars! Dr. Earl Craig will welcome our special guests Dr. Charles Vanderslice, who will bring the message, and Harmony, who will lead the music.
Pine Cove Base Camp at The Heights August 9-13
Pine Cove Christian camp is bringing
their program to The Heights this summer. We are hosting day camp from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
at The Heights. Cost is $205 for all children who have completed grades K-4. Activities will
include inflatable water slide, ropes, water activities, team sports, crafts, Bible study, worship,
archery, and much more. For more information about camp, visit www.pinecove.com, click on
the Base Camp link, and sign up under The Heights location. To contact someone at The
Heights about camp, email Joy Pickering at jpickering@theheights.org.
SAVE THE DATE!
Would you like to get ENGAGED in Bulgaria this Fall?
Date - October 23 - 30
Cost - $2500 per person
Objective - Place shoes & clothes on orphans through out Bulgaria.
Contact Tresa Simmons 972) 333-0834 or Rhonda Caldwell 241) 247-5056 for more information.
This Week as We Live Intentionally for Christ...
We Will:
- Worship God with Others
- Grow with Others
- Serve with Others
- Share with Others
